Egypt and Qatar are escalating efforts to maintain the Gaza ceasefire agreement due to rising tensions following Israel’s ultimatum to Hamas. Hostages must be released by Saturday, or military actions may resume, according to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. The ceasefire has halted significant violence, but violations by Israel are being reported, threatening the agreement’s sustainability.
Egypt and Qatar are intensifying diplomatic efforts to preserve the ceasefire agreement in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, as mounting concerns arise regarding the potential breakdown of the deal. An Egyptian source reported that Cairo and Doha are urging all involved parties to remain committed to the ceasefire, despite the growing political challenges complicating the situation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a warning to Hamas, stating that the ceasefire will be terminated if hostages are not released by Saturday noon. This ultimatum follows Hamas’s announcement of a delay in the next hostage release, citing violations of the ceasefire by Israel.
Local Palestinian authorities have identified several breaches of the agreement by Israel, including assaults on civilians and the obstruction of essential relief supplies, such as tents and caravans for those displaced in Gaza. The Egyptian source indicated that high-level discussions are taking place with both Israel and Hamas, amid increasing pressure from the United States and Israel to resume military actions if hostages are not returned.
The mediation efforts by Egypt and Qatar aim to find a sustainable path that ensures the agreement is equally enforced while maintaining peace to prevent further conflict. The source cautioned that failing to uphold the ceasefire would likely trigger renewed violence with significant regional consequences.
The three-phase ceasefire agreement, negotiated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, has been effective in Gaza since January 19, halting a devastating conflict that has claimed over 48,220 lives and devastated the region. The first phase of the truce entails the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners through early March.
Additionally, last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, regarding war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel currently faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice due to its actions in the region.
The ongoing diplomatic engagement by Egypt and Qatar seeks to reinforce the Gaza ceasefire amid escalating tensions from both sides. Netanyahu’s threats and the identified violations by Israel create a precarious situation that could lead to renewed violence if hostages remain unreturned. The involvement of international bodies, coupled with the complexities of the situation, underscores the importance of preserving the ceasefire for regional stability.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
